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Weigela does not bloom, which means that the plant is in uncomfortable conditions. This ornamental shrub is characterized by abundant long flowering, therefore, when very few flowers bloom on a plant or none at all, you need to try to figure out why this is happening. In each case, the solution may be different, since there are several reasons for the lack of flowers in this plant.
When weigela blooms
There are many varieties of weigela that differ from each other in flowering time. The shrub blooms when danger of frost has passed. On early varieties, buds appear in early May, and some varieties delight with flowering only in the second half of summer. In our country, several varieties are grown with the following dates for the start of flowering:
- Weigela Middendorf – early May and September;
- early weigela – early May;
- blooming weigela – May-June;
- weigela Nana Variegata – June-July;
- weigela Nana Purpurea – May-June;
- weigela profusely flowering – May.
The climate has a great influence on the quality of flowering of this crop: a light-loving drought-resistant shrub blooms the more abundantly and longer, the more warm, dry, sunny days in a season. In the conditions of a short cold summer, the flowering time of weigela can be shifted and shortened, and autumn flowering may not come at all.
How long does weigela bloom
Usually the shrub blooms for quite a long time, about 3-4 weeks, but there are varieties with longer (up to a month) flowering. The peak of ornamental shrubs falls on the summer season.
Weigela, blooming twice a season, is not uncommon, but in autumn it blooms less abundantly and for a long time than in spring. The second wave of flowering is possible only in some varieties under favorable weather conditions and good care.
Why weigela does not bloom and what to do
This plant is quite demanding on growing conditions and violations of agricultural technology primarily affect flowering. When negative factors are eliminated, the flowering of the shrub is fully restored.
Violation of the landing rules
Possible reasons for the lack of weigela flowering may be associated with the following planting errors:
- a shaded place is chosen or a shrub is planted in a wind-blown area;
- the soil is prone to swamping, surface occurrence of groundwater;
- the soil is too dense and does not allow air to pass through;
- the soil has high acidity, is poor in mineral and organic substances;
- wrong variety.
Shrubs should be planted in open, unshaded areas, protected from cold winds. Some varieties can grow in diffused sunlight, for example, next to large trees with a loose crown. However, in the shade of the weigel, it develops poorly, flowering may be scarce, occur at a later date, or may be completely absent. In strong winds, the shrub may not bloom just because the air currents pluck the delicate fragile buds. You can correct the situation by providing the shrub with sufficient lighting and protecting it from strong drafts.
The shrub feels good, which means it blooms profusely on light fertile soils. Stagnant water is detrimental to its root system, therefore, drainage must be laid in the planting pit, and sometimes drainage systems are equipped.
A substrate that does not allow air to pass through can also cause a lack of flowers, therefore, when preparing the soil, it is well dug up and, if necessary, river sand is added. In the future, trunk circles are recommended to be regularly loosened or mulched.
Poor soils are well fertilized before planting, making organic and mineral fertilizers. Too acidic substrate is lime.
Weigela may not bloom due to an incorrectly selected variety, if the climate does not meet the needs of the plant.
Violation of the rules of care
The reasons why weigela may bloom poorly or not bloom at all may lie in the errors of caring for the shrub. Most often, the problem occurs in the following cases:
- violation of irrigation rules;
- improper feeding;
- violation of cropping rules;
- irregular loosening or its absence.
Weigela is very sensitive to soil moisture. For prolonged stagnation of water at the roots, the plant may respond with a deterioration in vegetation and a decrease in profusion, and even the cessation of flowering. On the other hand, drying out of the soil harms flowering and vegetation no less than overflow. With a chronic lack of moisture, the plant will not have the strength to pick up abundant buds.
The shrub needs top dressing, stimulating the growth of green mass and the formation of buds. With a lack of minerals in the soil, flowering in weigela may also be absent.
Quite often, the lack of flowering is explained by the fact that inexperienced gardeners, in the process of annual pruning of shrubs, unknowingly remove the branches on which buds form. If you prune in the fall and remove last year’s shoots, you may not wait for the flowering of the shrub, so weigels form pruning only in spring.
Weigela is loosened deeply, on a spade bayonet. If the shrub is not mulched, it is advisable to do this after each watering. Mulching reduces the amount of irrigation, enriches the soil with nutrients and prevents the formation of a dense layer around the bush. However, even in this case loosening is necessary. Before the procedure, the mulch is removed and then returned to its place.
Pests or diseases
This ornamental shrub does not get sick often, but damage to plantings by pests or diseases can also be the reason why the plant does not bloom.
Aphids can cause great harm – they feed on shrub sap, and their colonies can weaken the culture so much that flowering stops. Chlorophos can be used against the invasion of these pests, but folk remedies are also suitable: a solution of soap or alcohol, an aqueous infusion of garlic or onions.
Spider mites, caterpillars and thrips also take strength from the weigela. Pesticides do a good job with them, but natural remedies can make a less harmful alternative to them – wormwood infused with water, shag or hot pepper.
The Maybug and Medvedka harm the roots, which not only negatively affects the weigela flowering, but can also have more serious consequences for the plant. Aktara will help get rid of these pests.
Weigela can be affected by fungal and bacterial diseases, such as gray rot and rust. These ailments are treatable, treatment with a mixture of copper sulphate and milk of lime (Bordeaux liquid) will be required.
One of the most serious diseases of weigela is root cancer, which not only stops the flowering of the plant, but also leads to its death. Agronomists have not yet learned how to deal with it, so diseased bushes are burned to prevent the spread of the disease.
Conclusion
Weigela does not bloom mainly because the technology of its cultivation is violated. With proper planting and quality care, this delicate shrub will please the eye for many years with long, abundant flowering.